Heterosexuals’ acceptance predicts the well-being of same-sex attracted young adults beyond ingroup support

Abstract

Ingroup support for sexual minority individuals may be somewhat different from that of many (heterosexual) racial/ethnic minority groups whose sense of belonging may stem from a shared identity with family and similar community members. This distinction raises the important question of whether out-group (i.e., heterosexual) acceptance plays a unique role in predicting the well-being of sexual minorities even in the presence of support from their own ingroup. Findings from same-sex attracted young adults in Australia supported this hypothesis, suggesting that acceptance from the broader community is an important facet of well-being beyond the important support provided by fellow sexual-minority members. Notably, this study specifically targeted those most likely to have access to support from their sexual minority peers.